BILLY REID admits only a fool would bet on the outcome of this season’s First Division title race.

The Hamilton boss believes it has come down to a battle between Partick Thistle’s young bucks and Morton’s old heads that is a cert to go the distance.

Accies kept the Greenock side’s lead over Jags at two points with a 2-1 win on Tuesday which leaves the Firhill club, with two games in hand, ready to pounce.

Reid has compiled a dossier for Record Sport on the top two and believes the flag fight could come down to age before energy.

He said: “We have taken seven points out of nine against Morton but on Tuesday night they missed two of their key players. Mark McLaughlin and Peter MacDonald were a huge loss for them.

“The biggest factor for Morton will be to get their key players fit and a few of them are at an advanced stage in their careers. They may not be young but they are good professionals.

“Morton boss Allan Moore will be trying to get as many games as possible out of guys like Martin Hardie, Mark McLaughlin and Kevin Rutkiewicz.

“They have good firepower in MacDonald, Colin McMenamin and Peter Weatherson who are all in their 30s but have great experience and that’s been a huge help.

“In midfield they have Fouad Bachirou and Michael Tidser, who has chipped in with his fair share of goals.

“This race will go right to the wire. If Morton can’t get their old heads playing every week I feel Partick will win the title.”

Hamilton host Partick a week on Saturday and Reid is convinced Alan Archibald has the perfect balance in his squad to go on and clinch promotion.

He said: “Partick have young lads such as Stephen O’Donnell and Aaron Sinclair but most of the squad have been together for a couple of years.

“Chris Erskine and Kris Doolan came from junior football and are now having a huge influence along with Stevie Lawless. There is real pace and energy about the side and I like their shape.

“Erskine has impressed me greatly and could have a major say in what happens.

“The full-backs O’Donnell and Sinclair give them width and allow Hugh Murray or Paul Paton to sit in midfield where they have great legs. Stuart Bannigan is a terrific talent and provides the pace in the engine room.

“There is a real balance to the side and at the start of the season I felt they would win the league but they are chasing a Morton side whose doggedness has been excellent.